Ahearn Educator Program
July 2021
Faculty of the School of Health Professions will lead three virtual workshops for Texas high school STEM educators. These courses are designed to provide knowledge and activities that can be shared in Texas science classrooms. Program faculty from Cytogenetic Technology, Diagnostic Imaging - MRI, and Medical Dosimetry faculty will host session this summer.
Each educator that pariticpants in a live workshop will recieve one CEC per hour (after verification of participation), and the recorded session will be availalbe later in the summer for any educator to view.
For more information
Dr. Rey Trevino
RATrevino1@mdanderson.edu
Eligibility and Registration
Live workshops are open for registration to all Texas STEM educators in private, pbulic, charter, or home HIGH schools.
Each workship is limited to 20 participants and each educator is limited to one spot in one workshop.
After successful registration and verification, educators will recive final confirmation of their registration.
In the event a live particpant is unable to attend, the next person on the waiting list will be offered admission.
A Zoom meeting link and information will be emailed to registered participants prior to each workshop.
July 7 with Medical Dosimetry
Facilitators: Dr. Mahsa Dehghanpour, CMD; Dr. Jamie Baker, CMD; Lori Simmons, CMD
Title: Introduction to Medical Dosimetry and Treatment Planning
Half day seminar: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
TEKS: §112.39. Physics 8(D); §112.43. Chemistry 14(C)
Educational Objective
The learner will understand how radiation is used by medical dosimetrists to create treatment plans for cancer patients.
Educational Goals
- The learner will be able to describe the basic characteristics of radiation particles and their generation and use in radiation therapy.
- The learner will be able to identify the prostate, spinal cord, bladder, and rectum on a CT scan.
- The learner will demonstrate how to set up a four-field treatment plan for prostate cancer.
Sample Outline
What is medical dosimetry?
A. Medical dosimetry and its role in the treatment of cancer
B. What is radiation therapy?
C. How is radiation used in medicine?
D. The patient's journey through cancer treatment
- Types of treatments
- Simulation
- Photon vs. proton therapy
- Brachytherapy
E. A career in dosimetry
F. RayStation demo: prostate 4-field plan
July 14 with Cytogenetic Technology
Facilitator: Dr. Jun Gu, CG(ASCP)CM
Title: Introduction to Clinical Cytogenetics and Karyotyping
Full day seminar: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1-5 p.m.
TEKS: Science TBD
Educational Objective
Educate teachers about chromosomes, gene, and clinical applications.
Educational Goals
- Introduce clinical cytogenetics testing professions.
- Brief review of G-band karyotyping.
- Applications of clinical cytogenetics testing
Sample Outline
- Overview of clinical cytogenetics
- Testing applications
- Chromosomes and genes
- Karyotyping and case studies
- FISH/miroarray and case studies
July 28 with Diagnostic Imaging - MRI
Facilitator: Wilton Muriithi, R.T.(R)(CT)(MR)
Title: MRI safety and brain anatomy
Half day seminar: 1-5 p.m.
TEKS: §130.224. Anatomy and Physiology
Educational Objective
Enhanced brain anatomy skills & MRI safety awareness.
Educational Goals
- The student will know the definition of MRI and understand that it has limitations when due some patient safety concerns.
- The student will be able to exhibit the ability to cooperate, contribute, and collaborate in a group setting on new brain anatomy terminologies.
- Student will demonstrate and re-state safe practices during MRI imaging as a patient or an observing intern.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of best clinical imaging methods that do not the use ionizing radiation. When is utilized within the clinical safety guidelines, it is safe to both the healthcare provide and the patient. All we need to produce an MRI is radio waves and strong magnetic fields, then the computer software will process the data collected. So, when MRI cannot be utilized as a modality of choice and why? As stated earlier safety is of essence when practicing in MRI environments.
If a patient has certain medical implants, they CANNOT undergo an MRI procedure due to safety concerns. Do you have a cardiac pacemaker or insulin pump? Did you arrive in non-stainless steel wheel chair?
Will your oxygen tank (if any) be attracted to a handheld magnet? Let us STOP here and investigate! These are just a few examples. Once we dig dipper into this topic, we will have some fun, then review some brain MRI real images and name some parts!